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Boss boosted by Lingard stay

Lee Clark says an agreement to extend Jesse Lingard's loan spell with Blues until mid-December is a real positive for the club.

Manchester United have agreed that the young forward can remain at St. Andrew's, despite interest from other clubs.

"It's very positive for us," said the Blues boss. "It takes us up to December 14, so we’ve got a lot of games in that time and we’re delighted to keep Jesse.

"There were a lot of clubs in for him before we initially got him but the impact he’s had since he’s been here means there are even more clubs.

"We thank Manchester United and David Moyes for their help on this one. I think they can see we’re hopefully developing the player in the right way for them."

To date Lingard has notched five goals in his four appearances, including a four-goal haul on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday.

"He has exceeded my expectations," continued Clark.

"It's not just the way he hit the ground running and the debut he had, but his general performances have been very good as well.

"What I like about these lads that come on loan from the likes of Manchester United, is not just their footballing ability but also their attitude and their work ethic.

“It’s a good tool for me to use in terms of the young players we have here at the football club because it shows them that to get to the top with these clubs it’s not just about the ability that you have, it’s the whole package and certainly Jesse is a case in point."

It takes us up to December 14, so we’ve got a lot of games in that time and we’re delighted to keep Jesse.